Design changes to add value can lower your rate of return, if not made on time.

Changes made after completion of the design documents are common causes for delays and cost overruns. Often developers will push to complete drawings and break ground without thoroughly understanding the design. That push can lead to an untimely realization that various design aspects have not been thoroughly considered by the owner, and possibly not optimized for the specific market demand.

If the sales team comes in later and suggests changes to add value, a critical decision point arrives for the developer. Should I make changes and risk delays and overruns? Will the benefits outweigh the costs? This is not a decision to be taken lightly as the overall rate of return could be enhanced or diminished based on the next move.